The island’s coffee industry made news this week with the announcement that Starbucks is doubling its order for Ka’u coffee.

In other culinary business news, two Ka’u coffee brands recently placed in the top 10 worldwide during an international coffee competition and a local chef was named on Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 list.

Here’s a look at what’s happening in business news around the island this week.

Local Chef Named on Forbes 30 Under 30 List

Executive Chef Phillip “Ippy” Aiona was named on Forbes Magazine’s 30 Under 30 list in the food and wine category.

The 24-year-old former Food Network Star has recently launched two restaurants in Waikoloa: Ippy’s Hawaiian BBQ, which serves Hawaiian plate lunches, and Three Fat Pigs, a fine dining gastropub.

Two Ka’u Coffees Place in International Competition

Two Ka’u coffee brands recently placed in the top 10 worldwide in the 2013 Roasters Choice awards at the 25th annual Specialty Coffee Association of America event in Boston last month.

Rusty’s Hawaiian coffee and Ka’u Coffee Mill were both recognized by the Roasters Guild, a trade guild for SCAA, the world’s largest coffee trade association.

Colson Named Head of Hualalai Academy

Hualalai Academy announced that John Colson will lead the school starting this July. Photo courtesy of Hualalai Academy.

The board of directors of Hualalai Academy has selected John Colson as its head of school effective this July.

A veteran educator and school administrator, Colson has been involved in public, private, and charter schools on Hawaii Island since 1979.

He is currently director of advancement and special projects at Hawaii Preparatory Academy.

Colson received his bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University and holds a master’s degree from Radford University.

Voting Open for Ecotour Guide of the Year

Last month the Hawaii Ecotourism Association board of directors sought nominations for “Ecotour Guide of the Year.”

The board has winnowed the nominees to three finalists, including Hawaii Island resident Arthur Wierzchos of Volcano Discovery Tours.

The other two finalists are Joe Imhoff of Skyline Eco-Adventures and Andy Carre of Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks.

Voting for the winner from among the finalists is now open on the HEA Facebook page and the winner will be announced at the HEA annual awards luncheon later this month.

If your business has an opening, closing, promotion, retirement, new product release, special event, award, new location, or expansion, please let us know. Email us at newsdesk@Bigislandnow.com.

Come pick up your rusty metal folding chair any Sunday now through March 31st at the church & let your creative side run wild. The object is to decorate the chair any way you want & the only rule is that it must fold open & close. All chairs must be turned in on April 6 where they will be on display until April 20. You can name your price & sell your chair but a percentage of your proceeds are asked to be donated to the church. Have fun!